Discover Clark: Waterfalls, Trails and History

Two rivers meet in Moulton Falls Regional Park: The 387-acre park lies at the confluence of the East Fork of the Lewis River and Big Tree Creek. Its distinctive landscape features include two waterfalls and an arched bridge more than three stories high. The park provides access to the 7.5-mile Bells Mountain Trail. Swimming is allowed, but there are no lifeguards. The historic Chelatchie Prairie Railroad also contributes to the experience: its excursion train runs through the park, and the railway offers nostalgic train rides through the landscapes of Clark County.

Water, Hiking Trails and Wildlife Watching

Lucia Falls Regional Park covers 24 acres and lies on the north bank of the East Fork of the Lewis River. The 312-acre Lacamas Regional Park offers a different combination of activities: Round Lake has opportunities for fishing and hiking. The park also has areas for birdwatching. Its higher-elevation forests are home to deer, raccoons, beavers, coyotes, osprey and bald eagles, among other species.

The trails also differ: Moulton Falls Regional Park provides access to the 7.5-mile Bells Mountain Trail. Lacamas Regional Park has a network of scenic hiking trails that connects to the Lacamas Heritage Trail along the south shore of Lacamas Lake. Vancouver Lake offers other options: It is suitable for beginner windsurfing as well as kayaking and canoeing. Vancouver Lake Regional Park provides habitat for wildlife and migratory waterfowl.

Wetlands and Drives at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 5,200 acres of marshes, lakes and grassland. A total of 180 bird species pass through its wetlands, including Canada geese, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, swans, turkey vultures, and various shorebirds, songbirds and waterbirds. Coyotes, bald eagles, Columbian white-tailed deer, weasels and turtles are also found there. For visitors who want to experience the landscape by car, the River ‘S’ Unit Auto Tour is a 4.2-mile loop on a gravel road that is driven in one direction.

A longer drive through the region is a 70-mile loop for motorists that passes through parks, historic sites and other attractions in Clark County. The distances and route formats offer different ways to plan: a short loop within the refuge or a longer tour through the county.

State Route 12 also runs through Clark County. Places along the route section described include Captain William Clark Park in Washougal, Frenchman's Bar Park and Marine Park in Vancouver, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. A drive along the route brings together a range of park and nature experiences.

Local History and Cultural Insights

Clark County Historical Museum presents exhibits, talks and events about local stories from all areas of Clark County history. Pomeroy Farm offers a different way to explore the past: The living-history farm portrays life in the era before electrification. Cathlapotle Plankhouse serves as an educational and interpretive center and is used for cultural events throughout the year.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site was established in 1825 and covers 191 acres. The 1-mile Vancouver Land Bridge Trail connects Fort Vancouver with the Vancouver waterfront. Pearson Field offers a look at aviation history: It is one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the United States. Washougal Mill also has a long production history: Pendleton has made the woolen fabrics for its products there since 1912.

When looking for a hotel in Clark, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: waterfalls and hiking trails, wildlife watching, activities at Vancouver Lake, or cultural history.

Discover more destinations: Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Salmon Creek, La Center, Washougal, Vancouver, Camas, Adams County

For the broader travel overview: Washington.